Cognitive component selection and implementation

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes identifying locations of a plurality of components to be implemented within a site, identifying characteristics of the site, and determining details for each of the plurality of components to be implemented within the site, utilizing the location of the plurality of components and the characteristics of the site.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to communications networks, and morespecifically, this invention relates to dynamically selecting,configurating, and implementing components within one or morecommunications networks.

Electronic components such as network devices, home automation devices,and “smart” devices are commonly used within homes, offices, and othersites. However, devices are often incorrectly installed/implementedwithin a site, which may cause performance issues with the devices andother components communicating with those devices. Incorrect devices, ordevices with inferior performance when compared to other devices, mayalso be installed within a site, which may also cause performanceissues, security issues, etc.

SUMMARY

A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includesidentifying locations of a plurality of components to be implementedwithin a site, identifying characteristics of the site, and determiningdetails for each of the plurality of components to be implemented withinthe site, utilizing the location of the plurality of components and thecharacteristics of the site.

According to another embodiment, a computer program product forperforming cognitive component selection includes a computer readablestorage medium that has program instructions embodied therewith, wherethe computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se,and where the program instructions are executable by a processor tocause the processor to perform a method comprising identifying, by theprocessor, locations of a plurality of components to be implementedwithin a site, identifying, by the processor, characteristics of thesite, and determining, by the processor, details for each of theplurality of components to be implemented within the site, utilizing thelocation of the plurality of components and the characteristics of thesite.

A computer-implemented method according to another embodiment includesidentifying a plurality of components to be implemented within a site,determining details of each of the plurality of components, andconfiguring and implementing the plurality of components within thesite, utilizing the details of each of the plurality of components.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for performing cognitivecomponent selection, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for performing cognitivecomponent implementation, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for creating a siteblueprint, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for including pre-existingequipment in a site blueprint, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for creating a list ofcomponents, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method for installing componentswithin a site, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description discloses several preferred embodiments ofsystems, methods and computer program products for performing cognitivecomponent selection and implementation. Various embodiments provide amethod for dynamically determining and implementing components within asite, based on an analysis of a plurality of site and user factors.

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the present invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless otherwise specified. It will be further understood thatthe terms “includes” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following description discloses several preferred embodiments ofsystems, methods and computer program products for performing cognitivecomponent selection and implementation.

In one general embodiment, a computer-implemented method includesidentifying locations of a plurality of components to be implementedwithin a site, identifying characteristics of the site, and determiningdetails for each of the plurality of components to be implemented withinthe site, utilizing the location of the plurality of components and thecharacteristics of the site.

In another general embodiment, a computer program product for performingcognitive component selection includes a computer readable storagemedium that has program instructions embodied therewith, where thecomputer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, andwhere the program instructions are executable by a processor to causethe processor to perform a method comprising identifying, by theprocessor, locations of a plurality of components to be implementedwithin a site, identifying, by the processor, characteristics of thesite, and determining, by the processor, details for each of theplurality of components to be implemented within the site, utilizing thelocation of the plurality of components and the characteristics of thesite.

In another general embodiment, a computer-implemented method includesidentifying a plurality of components to be implemented within a site,determining details of each of the plurality of components, andconfiguring and implementing the plurality of components within thesite, utilizing the details of each of the plurality of components.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 includes one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may include applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and cognitive component selection andimplementation 96.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method 400 for performingcognitive component selection is shown according to one embodiment. Themethod 400 may be performed in accordance with the present invention inany of the environments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, among others, in variousembodiments. Of course, more or less operations than those specificallydescribed in FIG. 4 may be included in method 400, as would beunderstood by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentdescriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 400 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 400 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 400. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 4, method 400 may initiate with operation 402, wherelocations of a plurality of components to be implemented within a siteare identified. In one embodiment, the plurality of components to beimplemented within the site may not be currently implemented within thesite. In another embodiment, the plurality of components may include aplurality of network devices desired to be implemented within the site.For example, the plurality of components may include one or more networkrouters, switches, modems, repeaters, expanders, etc.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the plurality of components may includea plurality of home automation devices desired to be implemented withinthe site. For example, the plurality of components may include one ormore networked smart lights, smart power switches, cameras, etc. Inanother embodiment, the plurality of components may include a pluralityof IoT-connected devices desired to be implemented within the site. Forexample, the plurality of components may include a networked television,thermostat, smoke detector, etc.

Further, in one embodiment, the site may include one or more buildings,one or more rooms within a building (e.g., rooms within a home), etc. Inanother embodiment, the plurality of components may be represented by aplurality of tags. In yet another embodiment, the locations of theplurality of components may be identified utilizing a plurality of RFIDtags.

For example, each of a plurality of RFID tags may correspond to apredetermined component to be implemented within the site. In anotherexample, each of the plurality of tags may be placed at a predeterminedlocation within the site (e.g., utilizing an adhesive backing, etc.). Inyet another example, an RFID reader may be used to determine a locationof each of the plurality of RFID tags within the site. In still anotherembodiment, the RFID reader may include a directional RFID reader thatdetermines a specific location of each of the plurality of RFID tagswith respect to the RFID reader.

Further still, in one embodiment, the locations of the plurality ofcomponents may be identified utilizing image and/or video analysis of aplurality of visual tags. For example, a camera of a device may be usedto take one or more pictures of the site. In another example, withineach picture, image analysis may be used to identify one or more visualtags placed within the site (e.g., using an adhesive backing, etc.). Inyet another example, each visual tag may include a code (e.g., a matrixbarcode, etc.), a textual description of a component associated with thevisual tag, etc.

Also, in one example, the code or textual description may be analyzed todetermine the component associated with the visual tag. In anotherexample, the location of each visual tag within the site may bedetermined based on an analysis of the one or more pictures/video.

In addition, in one embodiment, the locations of the plurality ofcomponents may be manually added by a user. For example, the user maymanually input a textual description of the locations of each of theplurality of components. In another example, the textual description maybe parsed in order to determine the locations. In yet another example,the user may manually place markers within an illustrated representationof the site, utilizing a graphical user interface (GUI).

Furthermore, method 400 may proceed with operation 404, wherecharacteristics of the site are identified. In one embodiment, thecharacteristics of the site may include physical dimensions of the site.For example, the characteristics may include dimensions of one or morerooms within the site. In another embodiment, a measurement tool may beused to determine the physical dimensions of the site.

For example, the measurement tool may include a laser distance measure.In another example, the measurement tool may include a camera. Forinstance, the camera may identify one or more walls within the site, andmay use one or more landmarks (e.g., windows, etc.) and/or GPS data toapproximate dimensions of the site.

Further still, in one embodiment, the characteristics of the site mayinclude one or more objects located within the site. For example, imageanalysis of a picture of a wall within the site may determine whetherthe wall is a signal blocking wall (e.g., a cinder block wall, etc.). Inanother example, image analysis of the site may determine whether thesite contains furniture, electronics, or other items that constitute aninterference factor (e.g., a fish tank, a microwave oven, etc.).

Also, in one embodiment, the characteristics of the site may include oneor more devices that are currently implemented within the site. Forexample, the characteristics of the site may include a wireless routercurrently installed within the site, one or more power outlets currentlyinstalled within the site, etc. In another example, one or more devicesthat are currently implemented within the site may be identified usingimage and/or video analysis/recognition. For instance, one or moreimages may be captured of the devices within the site. Additionally,image analysis may be used to determine a make/model of each of thedevices (e.g., utilizing image comparison, textual analysis of writingon a device, etc.).

Further, in one embodiment, the characteristics of the site may includedetails of each of the devices that are currently implemented within thesite. For example, identified devices may be cross referenced with oneor more databases (e.g., user manual databases, etc.) in order todetermine the functionality and/or features of each identified device.In another embodiment, one or more of the characteristics of the sitemay be manually input by a user (e.g., utilizing a GUI, etc.).

Further still, in one embodiment, the locations of the plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site, as well as thecharacteristics of the site, may be identified utilizing one or morehardware components (e.g., a mobile device equipped with one or morecameras, one or more RFID readers, etc.). In another embodiment, thelocations of the plurality of components to be implemented within thesite, as well as the characteristics of the site, may be identifiedwithin a cloud computing environment.

Also, method 400 may proceed with operation 406, where details for eachof the plurality of components to be implemented within the site aredetermined, utilizing the location of the plurality of components andthe characteristics of the site. In one embodiment, the details for eachof the plurality of components to be implemented within the site mayinclude required characteristics of each of the plurality of components.

For example, the require characteristics may include one or more of arequired wireless communications protocol, a required security protocol,a required communications range, a required amount of data storage, etc.In another example, the required characteristics for a component may bedetermined based on a location of the component within the system withrespect to other components. For instance, a first component that isrequired to communicate with a second component within the site, and islocated a predetermined distance from the second component, may beassigned a required characteristic indicating a required communicationsignal distance matching the predetermined distance.

In addition, in one embodiment, the details may include one or moreinterference factors that are determined for the site, utilizing theidentified characteristics of the site. For example, the one or moreinterference factors may include one or more aspects of the site thatproduce wireless signal interference, impede a wireless signal, etc. Inanother example, the one or more interference factors may include one ormore cinder block walls that are determined to interfere with wirelesssignals, one or more fish tanks that are determined to interfere withwireless signals, etc.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, a list of predetermined interferencefactors may include characteristics of each of the interference factors.For example, the characteristics of the site and the details for each ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site may becompared against the characteristics of each of the interferencefactors, and one or more interference factors may be determined, basedon the comparison.

Further still, in one embodiment, the details for each of the pluralityof components to be implemented within the site may include a placementof each of the plurality of components within the site. For example, ifa current location of a component to be implemented within the site (ora component currently implemented within the site) creates one or moreinterference factors, a new location of the component may be providedthat overcomes the interference factors. In another example, if alocation of a wireless router to be implemented within a room of a houseis behind a fish tank, which would cause interference problems, a newlocation may be suggested for the wireless router that is near anavailable power outlet and away from the fish tank, which wouldalleviate the communications problems.

Also, in one embodiment, additional components to be implemented withinthe site may be determined, based on the location of the plurality ofcomponents and the characteristics of the site. For example, if alocation of a wireless router to be implemented within a room of a houseis greater than a predetermined distance (e.g., a maximum communicationsthreshold distance, etc.) from another wireless component that requiresthe wireless router to communicate with a network, a range extender maybe identified that would enable consistent communications between thewireless router and the other wireless component.

Additionally, in one embodiment, a virtual blueprint may be constructedfor the site, based on the details for each of the plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site and the characteristics ofthe site. For example, the virtual blueprint may include a layout of thesite, including dimensions of the site. In another example, a placementof each of the plurality of components within the site may be indicatedwithin the blueprint. In yet another example, the virtual blueprint mayindicate a communications range of one or more of the plurality ofcomponents within the site. In still another example, the virtualblueprint may indicate any interference factors within the site.

Further, in one embodiment, the details for each of the plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site may be compared to a listof currently available components in order to determine a build list.For example, characteristics of commercially available components may becompared to the details for each of the plurality of components in orderto determine commercially available components necessary for effectiveimplementation within the site.

Further still, in one embodiment, within a current inventory of one ormore retailers may be compared to the necessary commercially availablecomponents, and may be automatically purchased if available for sale(e.g., below a predetermined budget/price threshold, etc.). In anotherembodiment, the commercially available components necessary foreffective implementation within the site may be presented to the user.In yet another embodiment, the details may be determined utilizing oneor more hardware components (e.g., a mobile device, etc.) and/or withina cloud computing environment.

In this way, component characteristics and placement may be dynamicallyoptimized for a site, given characteristics of the site and thecomponents. This may improve a performance of all components within thesite by reducing network congestion and/or interference betweencomponents, improving network reception between components, eliminatingcomponent communications performance bottlenecks, synchronizingcommunication protocols between components, ensuring that optimalcomponents are being used, etc.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a method 500 for performingcognitive component implementation is shown according to one embodiment.The method 500 may be performed in accordance with the present inventionin any of the environments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, among others, invarious embodiments. Of course, more or less operations than thosespecifically described in FIG. 5 may be included in method 500, as wouldbe understood by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentdescriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 500 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 500 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 500. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 5, method 500 may initiate with operation 502, where aplurality of components to be implemented within a site are identified.In one embodiment, the plurality of components may include componentshaving details determined utilizing the location of the plurality ofcomponents and the characteristics of the site. In another embodiment,the plurality of components may include a plurality of network devices,a plurality of home automation devices, a plurality of IoT-connecteddevices, etc. In yet another embodiment, the site may include one ormore buildings, one or more rooms within a building (e.g., rooms withina home), etc.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the plurality of components may beprovided as a result of determining details for each of a plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site, utilizing a location ofthe plurality of components within the site and characteristics of thesite (e.g., as described in FIG. 4, etc.). In another embodiment, theplurality of components may be identified utilizing one or more hardwarecomponents (e.g., a mobile device, etc.) and/or within a cloud computingenvironment.

Further, method 500 may proceed with operation 504, where details ofeach of the plurality of components are determined. In one embodiment,the details for a component may include one or more installationinstructions associated with the component (e.g., one or more quickstart guides, etc.). In another embodiment, the installationinstructions may be determined by cross-referencing a database ofmanuals with identifiers for each of the plurality of components. Forexample, the database may include a plurality of component identifiers,where each identifier is linked to textual data indicating installationinstructions for that component. In another example, the plurality ofcomponent identifiers within the database may be matches to theidentifiers for each of the plurality of components to be implementedwithin the site, in order to find installation instructions associatedwith those components.

Further still, in one embodiment, the installation instructions may bedetermined by scanning documentation provided with each component (e.g.,utilizing a camera of a mobile device, etc.) and performing opticalcharacter recognition (OCR) on the scanned documentation. In anotherembodiment, the details may be determined utilizing one or more hardwarecomponents (e.g., a mobile device, etc.) and/or within a cloud computingenvironment.

Also, method 500 may proceed with operation 506, where the plurality ofcomponents are configured and implemented within the site, utilizing thedetails of each of the plurality of components. In one embodiment,configuring and implementing the plurality of components includesdetermining all installation actions for each of the plurality ofcomponents. For example, the installation actions may be determinedutilizing the installation instructions associated with the components.In another example, installation actions may be determined for thecomponents that emphasize one or more desired traits such as security(e.g., by utilizing an enhanced security protocol, by implementing databackups, etc.), performance (e.g., by utilizing a protocol tailored fora fast network connection without implementing backups), cost, etc. Inyet another example, the desired traits may be selected by a user priorto configuring and implementing the components.

In addition, in one embodiment, configuring and implementing theplurality of components includes determining an order in which allinstallation actions are to be performed. For example, a plurality ofgeneral rules may be established regarding an order in whichinstallation actions are to be performed. For instance, the order may bedetermined with respect to one or more identified installationprerequisites determined for each component. In another example, acomponent such as a router may need to be plugged in before an interfaceof the router is accessed. In yet another example, a first componentsuch as a modem may need to be installed before a second component suchas a router is installed.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the plurality of general rules may beapplied to all installation actions to determine the order in which theinstallation actions are to be performed. In another embodiment,configuring and implementing the plurality of components includesperforming the installation actions, according to the determined order.For example, one or more of the installation actions may be performedautomatically by an application.

For instance, a mobile device may wirelessly connect to one or morecomponents, and an application within the mobile device may utilize oneor more application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate witheach of the one or more components. The wireless connection may beimplemented securely (e.g., utilizing one or more encryption and/orsecurity protocols, etc.). In another example, the application mayperform one or more installation actions directly with the components,utilizing the APIs.

In another embodiment, one or more components currently implementedwithin the site may be updated, based on the details of each of theplurality of components. For example, firmware, software, drivers, orother characteristics of currently implemented components may be updatedor changed in order to be compatible with the components being installedand/or to optimize a performance of all components within the site.

Further still, in one embodiment, one or more of the installationactions may be presented to a user for manual performance. For example,an application of a mobile device may present manual steps (e.g.,plugging a component into a power outlet, pressing a button on thecomponent, etc.) to a user for implementation by the user. In anotherexample, an application of a mobile device may request information(e.g., password information, device naming information, etc.) from theuser, and may automatically perform additional installation actions,utilizing the requested information. Each of the manual steps may bepresented according to the determined order.

Also, in one embodiment, the components may be configured andimplemented utilizing one or more hardware components (e.g., a mobiledevice, etc.) and/or within a cloud computing environment.

In this way, components may be optimally configured and implementedwithin a site according to predetermined criteria such as performance,security, etc. This optimal configuration may reduce a probability ofcomponent failure and/or errors caused by incorrect componentconfiguration and implementation, which may improve a performance ofeach component within the site. This optimal configuration may alsooptimize communications and security between components, which mayreduce communications errors (e.g., dropped packets, etc.) and/or dataloss, thereby improving a performance of the components.

Cognitive Home Automation Configuration

Overview

In order to implement a cognitive configuration implementation, thefollowing components are provided:

-   -   An apparatus which has an in-depth knowledge of automation        devices/IOT devices        -   This knowledge includes such things as: capabilities,            limitations, how to setup/install devices, how to            troubleshoot devices.    -   A Cognitive system which has been trained with automation        device/IOT device knowledge by the apparatus        -   Voice to text and text to voice capabilities may be used by            an apparatus to either perform automation device/IOT device            setup, or to guide a person through the process of            automation device/IOT device setup.    -   RFID tags and an RFID Reader        -   A directional RFID reader may be used to determine the            location of an automation device/IOT device        -   Directional RFID and images may be used to determine the            exact location and type of a device        -   RFID tags may be preassigned for each individual room        -   RFID tags may be preassigned for each individual device type            to be automated    -   Implementation Application        -   This may embody setup and controlling software    -   Image to Blueprint Application        -   The apparatus will take a reading off of the blueprint and            use its in-depth knowledge to expose risk or failure areas    -   Auto Measurement systems

The following are exemplary steps that an end user may perform to set uptheir home automation system:

-   -   1. Open the application and take pictures of all the rooms in        the house or building you want to automate.    -   2. Install stickers: 1) one set of stickers for the room, and 2)        one set of stickers for the devices to be automated.    -   3. Take pictures of any previously installed home automation        equipment.    -   4. When steps 1 through 3 have been completed, notify the        application. The application will then cognitively process all        of the required data and output a list of home automation to        purchase (or will automatically purchase the required        components).    -   5. Once the end user has the home automation equipment in hand        they will then begin the process of installing the pieces and        parts one at a time. The application will: 1) automatically        configure a device (when API's are available) and/or 2) provide        a step by step walk through of the process the end user needs to        take.    -   6. If the end user is using voice assistance, the end user will        then be asked a series of questions such as “what command would        you like to use to turn on the light in your living room?” The        end user's response will be programmed into the voice assistant.

The following is an exemplary high-level description of how the systemsetup is performed:

-   -   1. The application will cognitively process all of the provided        pictures to obtain the following information:        -   An overall blueprint of the structure        -   The size of each of the rooms        -   The composition of all walls within the structure        -   Possible interference points and/or objects    -   2. All of the stickers the user installs will be RFID stickers.        Each of the RFIDs will have an association. For example, RFID X        will be a room RFID, while RFID Y will be used for a specific        type of object such as a lamp.    -   3. The application will use the pictures of the previously        purchased home automation equipment to uniquely identify the        equipment. The cognitive process solution will provide a        solution that is backward compatible with this equipment.    -   4. The application will use a cognitive process that has been        trained with known home automation knowledge to produce a list        of home automation equipment to purchase.    -   5. The application/apparatus may support all known protocols        (such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, etc.). The application/Apparatus        will communicate and program each of the devices with a        non-proprietary interface. Devices with a proprietary interface        may need to be manually set up by the end user. The        application/apparatus will provide a step by step walk-through        for this set up with the end user.    -   6. A cognitive process voice to text and text to voice        implementation may be used to perform this setup. The end user        will be prompted for a command, the end user will respond and        then the application/apparatus will program the voice assistant.

Site Analysis

In one embodiment, an application may be initiated within a mobiledevice (e.g., mobile telephone, a tablet device, etc.). Roommeasurements may be taken for each of the rooms in the site in which oneor more components are to be implemented. The measurements may beobtained via a laser distance measurement system. For example, the laserdistance measurer could be built into the mobile device or physicallycoupled to the mobile device. In another example, the laser distancemeasurer could communicate with the mobile device via a wirelessprotocol.

In another embodiment, the mobile device may convert room images intoone or more blueprints. The mobile device may have a built-in camera orit may have the capability to receive images via a physical and/orwireless connection. The site images will be converted to blueprintswithin the mobile device or remotely (e.g., via a cloud computingenvironment that receives the dimensions of the site from the mobiledevice).

In yet another embodiment, images may be taken of each of the roomswithin the site, and the images will be fed into a local or cloud-basedcognitive process (e.g., a deep neural network (DNN), etc.) that hasbeen trained with images of various construction materials (e.g.,concrete, brick, wood, etc.). The cognitive process may identifycharacteristics of each room within the site (e.g., a type of materialused to fabricate walls within the site, etc.).

Additionally, in one embodiment, the images may be fed into the same ora different local or cloud-based cognitive process that is trained toidentify objects within a room, and classify the room based on theobjects. For example, the cognitive process may identify objects such asa stove, refrigerator, and sink within a room, and may label the roomwith a “kitchen” identifier in response to the identification of theobjects within the room.

Further, in one embodiment, the determined room classification andcharacteristics may be added to the blueprints. For example, a finalblueprint may contain dimensions for every room within a site, aclassification for every room within the site, and a type of materialused to construct every room within the site. These updated blueprintsmay be presented to one or more users for review/approval (e.g.,utilizing a GUI, etc.).

Now referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a method 600 for creating a siteblueprint is shown according to one embodiment. The method 600 may beperformed in accordance with the present invention in any of theenvironments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, among others, in variousembodiments. Of course, more or less operations than those specificallydescribed in FIG. 6 may be included in method 600, as would beunderstood by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentdescriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 600 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 600 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 600. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 6, method 600 may initiate with operation 602, where anapplication is initiated within a mobile device. Additionally, method600 may proceed with operation 604, where pictures of a plurality ofrooms of a site are obtained, utilizing the mobile device. Further,method 600 may proceed with operation 606, where one or more cognitiveprocesses are used to perform visual recognition on the pictures of theplurality of rooms of the site. In one embodiment, the one or morecognitive processes may be implemented locally at the device, remotelyat a cloud computing environment, etc.

Further still, method 600 may proceed with operation 608, where resultsof the visual recognition are obtained, where the results include a wallmaterial type for each wall of the plurality of rooms as well as aclassification of the room. Also, method 600 may proceed with operation610, where the pictures and the results of the visual recognition areused to create a blueprint of each of the plurality of rooms of thesite.

RFID Tag Analysis

In one embodiment, a set of RFID tags may be added to locations withinthe site where a plurality of components are desired to be implemented.For example, the RFID tags may be affixed within one or more rooms ofthe site, utilizing non-permanent glue or any other adhesive. In anotherembodiment, the RFID tags may be assigned into one or more categories.For example, there may be a plurality of different categories of RFIDtags, including categories such as smart outlet, Wi-Fi LED bulb, smartTV, etc.

In another embodiment, each of the RFID tag identifiers may bepre-associated with a category. For example, a RFID tag with apredetermined ID may be categorized as a smart outlet. In yet anotherembodiment, the RFID tags may be removed from a pre-treated sheet thatvisually shows the object the RFID is associated with. For example, anRFID tag that has been categorized as a smart outlet would say smartoutlet and have a picture of a smart outlet.

In yet another embodiment, an RFID reader may be used to detect alocation of each of the RFID tags within the site. For example, the RFIDreader may include a directional RFID reader that detects a specificlocation of each tag within the site with respect to a location of acalibration tag or the RFID reader itself. In another example, the RFIDreader could be built into the mobile device or physically coupled tothe mobile device. In another example, the RFID reader could communicatewith the mobile device via a wireless protocol.

In still another example, the determined locations of each of the RFIDtags within the site may be added to corresponding locations within theblueprint of each of the plurality of rooms of the site.

Pre-Existing Equipment Integration

In one embodiment, images taken by the mobile device may be analyzed forpredetermined characteristics and/or equipment that are problematic toan implementation of automation. In another embodiment, the end user maybe provided with an optimal automation solution that includes anypreexisting equipment identified within the site, based on an analysisof the images.

For example, images may be taken of each of the rooms within the site,and the images will be fed into a local or cloud-based cognitive process(e.g., a deep neural network (DNN), etc.) that has been trained withimages of home automation equipment (e.g., smart thermostats, smart LEDbulbs, smart switches, etc.). The cognitive process may identifyexisting home automation equipment within the site.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the images may be fed into the same ora different local or cloud-based cognitive process that is trained toidentify characteristics and/or equipment that are problematic toimplementation of automation. The cognitive process may identify anypotential implementation problems within the site (e.g., obsolete orproprietary protocols supported by existing equipment, old/slowequipment, design incompatibilities, etc.). These problems may bepresented to the user, along with suggestions on how to remedy theproblems (e.g., via software/firmware updates, component replacement,etc.).

Now referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart of a method 700 for includingpre-existing equipment in a site blueprint is shown according to oneembodiment. The method 700 may be performed in accordance with thepresent invention in any of the environments depicted in FIGS. 1-3,among others, in various embodiments. Of course, more or less operationsthan those specifically described in FIG. 7 may be included in method700, as would be understood by one of skill in the art upon reading thepresent descriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 700 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 700 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 700. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 7, method 700 may initiate with operation 702, whereimages are obtained of pre-existing equipment within the site.Additionally, method 700 may proceed with operation 704, where one ormore cognitive processes are used to perform visual recognition on theimages of pre-existing equipment to identify names and characteristicsof the pre-existing equipment. Further, method 700 may proceed withoperation 706, where one or more cognitive processes are used to performvisual recognition on the images of the pre-existing equipment toidentify any equipment that is problematic to an implementation ofautomation.

Further still, method 700 may proceed with decision 708, where it isdetermined whether the identified pre-existing equipment is optimal fora desired automation implementation. If it is determined in decision 708that the identified pre-existing equipment is not optimal for thedesired automation implementation, then method 700 may proceed withoperation 710, where a user is notified. If it is determined in decision708 that the identified pre-existing equipment is optimal for thedesired automation implementation, then method 700 may proceed withoperation 712, where the identified pre-existing equipment is added to ablueprint of each of the plurality of rooms of the site.

Purchase List

In one embodiment, the updated blueprint may be used to provide a userwith a complete list of equipment that they need to purchase. This listof equipment may include non-automation devices such as a Wi-Fi extenderor a router that is Wi-Fi capable.

In another embodiment, the updated blueprint may be fed into a local orcloud-based cognitive process that analyzes all of the rooms within thesite, as well as details of each room such as composition, size,distance from a required source, and objects contained in the room, inorder to identify any problematic conditions. If a problematic conditionis discovered, then one or more solutions are applied. The one or moresolutions may be obtained by performing a textual network search ofwebsites and social media to find matches to keywords associated withthe problematic condition.

In yet another embodiment, when room processing finishes, an analysis ofeach individual component by the local or cloud-based cognitive processbegins. This process is repeated until all of the components have beenprocessed. The cognitive process identifies any of the followingconditions that could create marginal operations or a failure to operatecondition for a desired component: 1) interoperation problems with apreexisting device, 2) interference problems, and 3) environmentalproblems. If one of these conditions is discovered, the cognitiveprocess searches the one or more locations for a solution. This mayinclude, but is not limited to, searching vendor specifications to findanother vendor's product that is compatible and will operate in theenvironment, searching vendor blogs and/or forums for known solutions,and searching various publicly available blogs and forms for knownsolutions.

Now referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart of a method 800 for creating a listof components is shown according to one embodiment. The method 800 maybe performed in accordance with the present invention in any of theenvironments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, among others, in variousembodiments. Of course, more or less operations than those specificallydescribed in FIG. 8 may be included in method 800, as would beunderstood by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentdescriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 800 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 800 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 800. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 8, method 800 may initiate with operation 802, where ablueprint for a plurality of rooms of a site are identified.Additionally, method 800 may proceed with operation 804, where anybuilding material issues noted within the blueprint are identified andresolved. In one embodiment, a cognitive process may analyze allblueprint factors and search public data repositories for knownsolutions to any building material issues. In another embodiment, one ormore components may be identified that resolve any building materialissues.

Further, method 800 may proceed with operation 806, where any distanceissues noted within the blueprint are identified and resolved. Forexample, a cognitive process may analyze all blueprint factors andsearch public data repositories for known solutions to any distanceissues. In one embodiment, one or more components may be identified thatresolve any distance issues.

For instance, the blueprints for each of the rooms in the site where oneor more automation devices will be installed may be analyzed one at atime. For each of these rooms, a series of checks may be performed forknown conditions that could cause marginal operation or failure tofunction (e.g., WiFi distance limitations, etc.). In another example, astored limitation may indicate that 2.4 GHz communications are available150 feet from the source, provided that there are no brick stone wallsbetween receiving devices. This stored limitation may be comparedagainst the blueprint to detect any possible distance/material issues.

Further still, method 800 may proceed with operation 808, where issueswith non-optimal pre-existing equipment and objects causing interferencewithin the blueprint are identified. In one embodiment, a cognitiveprocess may analyze all blueprint factors to determine if there is anobject that will/could create a marginal operation or failure tofunction condition. Examples of this include: 1) an automation devicebeing located behind a 30-gallon fish tank, 2) a microwave over, or 3)an automation device located close to a wireless phone. In anotherembodiment, one or more components may be identified that resolve anyissues with non-optimal pre-existing equipment and objects causinginterference.

Also, method 800 may proceed with operation 810, where details for eachof the plurality of components to be implemented within the site areidentified, utilizing the resolved blueprint. In one embodiment, allcomponents that have been identified as resolving one or more of theabove issues may be identified and compiled.

Method 800 may then proceed with decision 812, where it is determinedwhether a single vendor offers all products matching details for each ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site. Forexample, optimal interoperability occurs between a single vendor'sproducts. Therefore, it may be determined whether a single vendor sellsall of the automation products having details desired to be implementedwithin the site. If it is determined in decision 812 that a singlevendor offers all products matching details for each of the plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site, then method 800 mayproceed with operation 814, where a recommended product purchase list iscompiled, utilizing the products from the single vendor.

However, if it is determined in decision 812 that a single vendor doesnot offer all products matching details for each of the plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site, then method 800 mayproceed with operation 816, where individual devices are selectedaccording to compatibility criteria and added to the recommended productpurchase list. For example, each individual automation device may beselected one at a time. A candidate automation device may undergo aseries of checks to ensure it meets the following: 1) it iscompatible/interoperable with all of other previously selectedautomation devices, 2) It will work reliable in the location where it isto be installed (this may be determined by examining the productspecification, etc.), and 3) it meets end user requirements.

Further, method 800 may proceed with operation 818, where therecommended product purchase list is returned to a user. In oneembodiment, all components within the recommended product purchase listmay be automatically purchased via one or more channels (e.g., onlinestores, etc.).

Dynamic Installation/Setup

In one embodiment, when a user has all components to be implementedwithin a site in hand (e.g., as per the recommended product purchaselist, etc.), dynamic installation of such components may be implemented.For example, installation materials for each component may be obtained(e.g., via reliable source text, images, and/or video installationmaterials scanned by the user or found online), and such installationmaterials may be used to perform a step by step installation of allcomponents.

In another embodiment, the end user starts an application and indicatesthat they have possession of all of the desired components. Theapplication will indicate a first room (e.g., utilizing a siteblueprint, etc.) where one or more components are to be installed. Inyet another embodiment, the application may determine one or moreinstallation prerequisites for one or more components, and any componenthaving a prerequisite will not be installed until such time as theprerequisite has been met. For example, device A uses Wi-Fi and no Wi-Fiis available, so the application will direct the end user to install andset up Wi-Fi before installing device A.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a method 900 for installingcomponents within a site is shown according to one embodiment. Themethod 900 may be performed in accordance with the present invention inany of the environments depicted in FIGS. 1-3, among others, in variousembodiments. Of course, more or less operations than those specificallydescribed in FIG. 9 may be included in method 900, as would beunderstood by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentdescriptions.

Each of the steps of the method 900 may be performed by any suitablecomponent of the operating environment. For example, in variousembodiments, the method 900 may be partially or entirely performed byone or more servers, computers, or some other device having one or moreprocessors therein. The processor, e.g., processing circuit(s), chip(s),and/or module(s) implemented in hardware and/or software, and preferablyhaving at least one hardware component may be utilized in any device toperform one or more steps of the method 900. Illustrative processorsinclude, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc., combinations thereof, or any other suitablecomputing device known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 9, method 900 may initiate with operation 902, where aninstallation application is initialized. For example, the installationapplication may be initialized on a mobile device. Additionally, method900 may proceed with operation 904, where component installationmaterials for components to be implemented within a site are obtainedvia one or more sources. In one embodiment, the component installationmaterials may include one or more of installation manuals, exampleinstallation pictures, component installation videos, etc.

For example, text information may be searched and gathered using one ormore semantic and/or textual analytics techniques. A cognitive searchprocess may be used to obtain video and images.

Further, method 900 may proceed with operation 906, where the componentinstallation materials are ranked, based on one or more criteria. Forexample, for each of the component installation materials, an initialranking may be assigned based upon at least the following factors:

-   -   vendor information receives a higher ranking than non-vendor        information    -   information from recognized industry experts receives a higher        ranking than information from non-recognized individuals    -   any information that has a rating associated with it receives        that initial ranking (this ranking may be normalized based on a        rating scale being used)    -   any information that either has no ranking or cannot be verified        will be initially ranked with a neutral rating (between a high        ranking and a low ranking)

Further still, method 900 may proceed with operation 908, wherecomponent installation steps are identified that can be automated by theinstallation application utilizing one or more APIs. In this way, theapplication will know which devices the application can automaticallysetup using an API, the devices it has video installation instructionsfor, and the devices it has reliable written installation instructionsfor.

Also, method 900 may proceed with operation 910, where the installationapplication determines user preferences for obtaining instructions. Forexample, the application may communicate with the end user and ask themtheir preference for obtaining instructions (e.g., text, video, audiowalk through, etc.). If the end user chooses an audio walk throughoption, then the application may use a cognitive text to voice processto output instructions.

In addition, method 900 may proceed with operation 912, where each ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site areinstalled, utilizing the ranked component installation materials, theuser preferences for obtaining instructions, and one or more APIs. Inone embodiment, if an end user indicates that a text document be read tothem it will be necessary to use a cognitive process such as a text tospeech process. This process uses speech-synthesis capabilities tosynthesize text into natural-sounding speech.

Further, installation of each component may be implemented via one ormore of the following steps:

-   -   the installation application automatically performs the        installation    -   the installation application provides a text walk through of the        install/setup process    -   the installation application gives either an audio or video walk        through of the install/setup process

In another embodiment, prerequisites to installation of a component maybe identified and implemented prior to the installation of thecomponent. Each prerequisite may be installed one at a time until allprerequisites have been installed for a given device. Once all of theprerequisites have been installed then the installation/setup of theactual device begins. This process is repeated until all of the deviceshave been installed.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Moreover, a system according to various embodiments may include aprocessor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor,the logic being configured to perform one or more of the process stepsrecited herein. By integrated with, what is meant is that the processorhas logic embedded therewith as hardware logic, such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a FPGA, etc. By executable by theprocessor, what is meant is that the logic is hardware logic; softwarelogic such as firmware, part of an operating system, part of anapplication program; etc., or some combination of hardware and softwarelogic that is accessible by the processor and configured to cause theprocessor to perform some functionality upon execution by the processor.Software logic may be stored on local and/or remote memory of any memorytype, as known in the art. Any processor known in the art may be used,such as a software processor module and/or a hardware processor such asan ASIC, a FPGA, a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit(IC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.

It will be clear that the various features of the foregoing systemsand/or methodologies may be combined in any way, creating a plurality ofcombinations from the descriptions presented above.

It will be further appreciated that embodiments of the present inventionmay be provided in the form of a service deployed on behalf of acustomer to offer service on demand.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:identifying, utilizing image analysis of a picture of a site, locationsof a plurality of components to be implemented within the site;identifying, utilizing the image analysis of the picture of the site,characteristics of the site, including one or more devices currentlyimplemented within the site and physical dimensions of the site; anddetermining details for each of the plurality of components to beimplemented within the site, utilizing the locations of the plurality ofcomponents and the characteristics of the site.
 2. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising configuringand implementing the plurality of components within the site, utilizingthe details of each of the plurality of components.
 3. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofcomponents include a plurality of home automation devices desired to beimplemented within the site.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim1, wherein the locations of the plurality of components are identifiedutilizing a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. 5.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the locations of theplurality of components are identified utilizing image analysis of aplurality of visual tags within the picture of the site.
 6. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein identifying thelocations of the plurality of components to be implemented within thesite includes analyzing one or more visual tags placed within the site,where each of the one or more visual tags includes a matrix barcode thatis analyzed to determine the one of the plurality of componentsassociated with the visual tag.
 7. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein identifying physical dimensions of the site utilizingthe image analysis of the picture of the site includes approximating thephysical dimensions of the site utilizing one or more landmarks.
 8. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, comprising: determining a makeand model of each of the one or more devices currently implementedwithin the site, utilizing image comparison and textual analysis ofwriting on each of the one or more devices; and cross-referencing eachof the one or more devices currently implemented within the site withone or more databases to determine functionality and features of each ofthe one or more devices.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the image analysis is utilized to determine whether a wallwithin the site is a signal blocking cinder block wall.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the details for each ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site include: arequired wireless communications protocol, a required security protocol,a required communications range, and a required amount of data storage,and a placement of each of the plurality of components within the site.11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the locations ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site, as wellas the characteristics of the site, are identified within a cloudcomputing environment.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the details for each of the plurality of components to beimplemented within the site include required characteristics of each ofthe plurality of components.
 13. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein the details for each of the plurality of components tobe implemented within the site include one or more interference factorsthat are determined for the site, utilizing the characteristics of thesite.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein thedetails for each of the plurality of components to be implemented withinthe site include a placement of each of the plurality of componentswithin the site.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, whereinadditional components to be implemented within the site are determined,based on the locations of the plurality of components and thecharacteristics of the site.
 16. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1, wherein a virtual blueprint is constructed for the site, basedon the details for each of the plurality of components to be implementedwithin the site and the characteristics of the site.
 17. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the details for each ofthe plurality of components to be implemented within the site arecompared to a list of currently available components in order todetermine a build list.
 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,further comprising determining a new location for a first devicecurrently implemented within the site in response to determining thatthe first device creates one or more interference factors.
 19. Acomputer program product for performing cognitive component selection,the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith,the program instructions executable by a processor to cause theprocessor to perform a method comprising: identifying, by the processorutilizing image analysis of a picture of a site, locations of aplurality of components to be implemented within the site; identifying,by the processor utilizing the image analysis of the picture of thesite, characteristics of the site, including one or more devicescurrently implemented within the site and physical dimensions of thesite; and determining, by the processor, details for each of theplurality of components to be implemented within the site, utilizing thelocations of the plurality of components and the characteristics of thesite.
 20. A computer-implemented method, comprising: identifying,utilizing image analysis of a picture of a site, a plurality ofcomponents to be implemented within the site and physical dimensions ofthe site; determining, utilizing the image analysis of the picture ofthe site, details of each of the plurality of components; andconfiguring and implementing the plurality of components within thesite, utilizing the details of each of the plurality of components.